At his sentencing hearing on Friday, the victim's family gave compelling testimony asking that he not be jailed.

"I do not feel 25 years in prison is necessarily the best way for the defendant to pay for what he has done. The defendant made a horrible choice. He needs help – not to spend 25 years locked up," the girl’s mom said in a statement.

And the girl’s grandmother echoed those live and let live sentiments.

"What he (the defendant) did to my granddaughter was horrible, and he should face consequences. And I certainly never want it to happen again to anyone," grandma told the court. "But his children, especially his sons, will be devastated if their Dad is no longer part of their lives."